A refugee story
Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Resettlement in Australia
The conflict in Syria and Iraq is one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. More
than 11 million people have become displaced due to these conflicts, with most people
fleeing to neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon. The Australian G overnment
has announced a generous package to resettle an additional 12,000 refugees fleeing the
conflict in Syria and Iraq.
Sara’s personal story may help you to get a better understanding of the experiences and
emotions refugees face in fleeing conflict in the Middle East and the ways in which the
Australian Government supports refugees to resettle in their new home.
Sara’s story
Sara was 13 when the war in Iraq began. Instead of spending her days at school or
with friends, she and her family were forced into hiding for fear of persecution. Sara
and her family were all born and raised in Iraq, but are of Palestinian heritage. This
means they were stateless — with many restrictions placed on them including being
unable to ever own a house or car. And that was before the war.
Once the war began in 2003, Sunni Muslims (particularly of Palestinian heritage) like
Sara’s family, were in danger. Sara’s home was sprayed with bullets, it was unsafe to
go to school for months at a time, and Sara and her family were evicted from their
home. In 2006, after three long years in war-torn Baghdad, Sara and her family fled to
Syria where they applied and prayed for their visa to come to Australia. A year and a
half later, their prayers were answered.
‘When we arrived, I was overwhelmed, everything was different. I couldn’t speak any
English the culture was so different but at the same time I felt so welcome and
supported.’ Sara said.
A Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) provider supplied Sara’s family with basic
furniture, kitchenware and toiletries. ‘I don’t have the words to explain how grateful we
are for that support. It made me feel like this really was our new home.’
‘What stands out for me on that day we first walked through the door, was the
attention to detail and the careful consideration that had happened before we arrived.’
‘It sounds silly now but I remember noticing and appreciating that we all had our own
toothbrush, own pillow, own towel all laid out for us’.
Sara was even given a second-hand computer to help her complete her studies.
‘Having access to that computer got me through year 12 and my first years at TAFE.’
She also found the trauma counselling immensely helpful during her first year in
Australia. ‘When I felt stressed and confused it was great to be able to turn to
someone who knew my story, who I felt safe with. My counsellor helped me so much
especially in the early days.’
In her first two years in Australia, Sara had learnt to speak English, completed year
12, had two jobs and was studying at TAFE.
One of Sara’s greatest joys was when she saved enough money and bought her own
car.
Sara is now studying a Bachelor of Social Work.
‘I used to volunteer to drive everywhere for my family, I’d drive around the
neighbourhood—it was the best feeling, I never dreamed I would have my own car,
especially growing up in Iraq where that just wasn’t an option.’
Now Sara wants to give back to people who are on a similar journey and have
experienced similar hardships. Sara has an Advanced Diploma in Community
Services and has now started her Bachelor of Social Work.
‘I know how hard it is, I went through it, I lived it, and I want to help other p eople feel
welcome in their new home the way I was helped when we first came to Australia.’
Everyone that comes to Australia has a story to tell. Sara’s story is just one of the hundreds
and thousands of refugees and humanitarian entrants that have come to Australia.
For more information on the resettlement of the additional 12,000 refugees as part of
Australia’s Humanitarian Programme, please visit the Department of Social Services
website.